Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Graeff.
Tyler, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Both myself and my wife Lauren struggled with drug and alcohol addiction in the past. Up until our early twenties, we lived a life that was reckless and caused us many issues in life including arrests, broken family relationships, and missed opportunities. We did not meet each other until we found lasting sobriety and were serving with the program that was used to help transform our lives at different locations.
At the age of 25, I found myself broken, either going to die from an overdose or suicide because of the emotional pain I carried inside. After trying many different programs, detoxes, counseling, and recovery options, I found myself headed to a program called Teen Challenge located in Sanford, FL. This was a year-long, faith-based program that helped men who struggled with life-controlling issues such as addiction.
After successfully completing the program and making a decision to turn my life around, I felt a passion and desire to rise up inside of me to help those who struggled with addiction as I did in the past. My soon-to-be wife Lauren had completed the Teen Challenge program in Davie, FL, and had been serving with the organization for a few years before I went through the program.
Fast forward through the years, we met and got married and have served at different Teen Challenge locations including one in Baltimore, MD. A year and a half ago, we were presented with the opportunity to serve as the director at the Teen Challenge Southeast Region Davie Women’s Home, the same program that my wife went through 10 years prior. It is truly an honor and blessing to serve at the location where my wife found freedom and healing in her life.
We sit in a beautiful neighborhood in Davie, FL, and can house up to 16 women. Being that we are a year-long the staff team here has the opportunity to pour into the lives of the women who come in through the doors and help them discover a new way of living their life. Every day that we come to “work” we see miracles right before our eyes. There is nothing greater than seeing someone come to life and find freedom!
Lauren and I just celebrated 4 years of marriage in April. She has been sober for over 10 years and I have been sober over 8. We attribute this success to our relationship with God and help people who find themselves in similar situations that we have overcome.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would be lying if I said it was a smooth road. After having such a difficult past and experiencing much trauma in my life it has been a bumpy road. Despite being a Christian and making significant changes for bettering my life, life still has happened. I have experienced trials, losses, and difficulties.
The only thing that is different is that these things don’t bring me back to a place of escaping through drugs or alcohol, it draws me into a deeper dependence on the Lord. Serving in an organization that helps people who struggle with addiction can be an exhausting line of work. We see so many victories but also heartache when someone doesn’t make it. People can be exhausting but helping others is worth it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Director of an organization called Teen Challenge Southeast Region Davie Women’s Home where we help women struggling with life-controlling issues such as drug and alcohol addiction. Our mission is to offer life-transformation through Christ-centered programs and our vision is to put hope within reach.
We are part of Teen Challenge Southeast Region which helps adult men and women as well as adolescent boys and girls. I am also a Pastor and love sharing my story of hope and healing with church congregations and with folks in everyday life situations.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
When I think of success, I think it can be measured in different ways. To me, success is making a positive impact and seeing your desired results come to fruition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://southeastfloridarehab.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daviewomenshome
